Project
Centre of Excellence on Corporate Sustainability & Human Rights Law
Funded by the EU Jean Monnet Actions programme (Erasmus +), the Centre of Excellence on Corporate Sustainability and Human Rights Law aims to study and promote corporate sustainability and its practical application in the EU and beyond, especially candidate countries. This is done through research, events, podcasts, workshops, and policy recommendations.
The Centre is established within the Law group of Wageningen University with focal points in Ukraine (Yaroslav Mudriyi National Law University, Kharviv) and Serbia (Belgrade Centre for Human Rights).
Background
In June 2024, the European Union adopted the much-awaited Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which aims to enhance the protection of the environment and human rights in the EU and globally. The CSDDD sets obligations for large companies regarding actual and potential adverse impacts on human rights and the environment. It is expected to profoundly change how EU and non-EU companies do business in the EU. Suppliers of such companies, whatever their size and location, will also be impacted. Over the next few years, we can expect the “Brussels Effect” to increase in the area of corporate sustainability.
While it is a welcome step towards sustainability transformations, the developing EU legal framework on corporate sustainability poses special challenges for Neighbourhood East and Western Balkans countries due to limited local expertise.
Project description
The Centre of Excellence (acronym EUCorSus) is established for 3 years (2025-2027).
During this period, the team will work in three areas:
Research
Comparative policy and legal research, including an edited volume on The impact of the EU framework on Corporate Sustainability and Human Rights Law in Europe and Beyond, academic articles, public lectures and a final conference.
Awareness-raising
A series of workshops for key stakeholders, a podcast series (EUCorSus Talks) for a wider audience, and a digital introductory course on the EU CSDDD.
Building transregional cooperation
The Centre brings together key stakeholders to exchange good practices, provide assistance, share experience between different stakeholders groups in the EU, Western Balkans and Neighborhood East. The Centre will develop roadmaps on EU corporate sustainability and human rights, elaborated in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from focal point countries.